Kolkata, Sept. 26 -- Punjab FC will start their IFA Shield 2026-27 campaign against Calcutta Customs Club at Barasat Stadium on Sunday. The Group II encounter, scheduled for a 2.30 PM kickoff, marks the beginning of a new competitive season for the Shers and their first-ever campaign in the historic IFA Shield.

The match serves as the first official outing for newly appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis. The Greek tactician has named a revamped 24-member squad for the tournament, featuring a balanced mix of youth, established domestic talent, and key international acquisitions.

The foreign contingent, comprising European-experienced defender Patrick Gerard Bahanack alongside newly acquired attackers Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya an...